THERE is always one kid in the playground who, despite his diminutive size, you just would not mess with.

He's quiet and unassuming - but all the other kids know he's best not provoked.

A tough cookie who, although he might not be the biggest or brawniest, possesses the steely will and compact but tough frame that sees him emerge unscathed from many a scrape with the big boys.

Well, in the automotive playground the Suzuki SX4 is that kid.

A Japanese mash-up of supermini, hatchback and SUV this little Suzi crossover may seem pretty unassuming - but it can certainly look after itself in the urban jungle.

Hell, there's even a top-of-the-range 4x4 version, which shows you just how tough the SX4 thinks it is.

I was driving the mid-range SZ4 model, however - which sticks to two-wheel drive but still proved incredibly durable.

Front and rear scuff plates, prominent wheel arches and roofbars are typical SUV style touches and give the SZ4 a solid and chunky look, although you have to wonder whether they are strictly necessary on non-4x4 versions.

Suzuki have also reworked the front end of the latest SX4, giving it an easier-on-the-eye and more European-friendly look.

The steeply sloping bonnet and bold front bumper and grille lend something of a sporty feel, especially with the integrated fog lights and 16-inch alloys which are included at this trim level.

Inside the emphasis is also on toughness and durability with materials largely being functional rather than luxurious. But everything is solidly screwed together and definitly feels built to last.

The instrument panel is well laid out and user-friendly, with large knobs and dials making everything easy to use without being distracted from your driving. There are also steering wheel mounted controls for the CD stereo.

A large expanse of glass all around and relatively high roofline also mean that the cabin is bright and spacious with plenty of head and leg room for all occupants.

The front seats are firm and supportive with plenty of adjustment for the driver and the elevated MPV style driving position offers commanding views of the road.

There are plenty of little cubby's for knick-knack storage, including useful bottle holders in all four doors.

The boot, while it doesn't boast the family-friendly space of some rivals, is more than adequate for everyday use.

The 60/40 split rear seats can be folded down individually to add some load carrying versatility and the entire rear seat can be quickly folded flat and then tipped forward behind the front seats to accommodate larger items.

All SX4s are generously equipped and you get electric windows all round, air conditioning, ABS and front, side and curtain airbags as standard across the range.

The SZ4 trim adds those fog lights, SUV styling touches and alloys as well as a keyless ignition system.

But the real strength of the SX4 lies under the bonnet where the improved 1.6-litre petrol power pack proves impressively versatile and willing - if a little noisy at times.

Upgraded to comply with the latest European emissions standards this revised engine offers 10 per cent more power, 10 per cent lower fuel consumption and 13 per cent fewer emissions - now 143g/km - than the previous version.

It is the only option across the entire range and, in tandem with the five-speed manual transmission, provides a refreshingly perky and involving driving experience which is not far from that in many sportier hatchbacks.

The 0-62mph sprint time of 10.7 seconds emphasises the SX4's sprightly nature but it won't be burning too big a hole in your pocked as you will also be capable of a healthy average of 45.6 miles per gallon.

You'll be nipping in and out of the city traffic at will while the small footprint of the SX4 means maneouvreing and parking are never a problem. And you'll romp along surprisingly quickly on the motorway too, with that 118bhp lump offering a top speed of 115mph.